❗️❗️Long post warning❗️❗️ 

Many of you already know that my mom, aunt, 2 year old Izzy, and my 4 year old son Cruz were involved in a car accident on January 19, 2020. Almost a month ago all of our family, church family, and friends were praying and are still continuing to pray for everyone involved. All of passengers in the vehicle had been seen at the ER, one flown, 2 rode in an ambulance, and then other arriving later to the ER after making sure everyone else was taken care of first. All left the ER the same day/night with non-life threatening injuries and soreness except one! Cruz Stabler. He was flown to Richland (prisma now) and was in children’s ICU, no external injuries except some bruising but when evaluated by doctors had a slit in his spleen and brain injury, which caused him not to be able to move his left arm or left leg. We were told that he would be in ICU for a week.  But the next day transfer to a regular room. 

Fast forwarding through the next few weeks, after good days and bad, many nurses and doctors, c-collar, feeding tube, moving IVs, sad tears and happy tears, he was able to start physical and occupational therapy while in the hospital! He was progressing so well. Each day he was able to do or say something new, gradually moving his toes and fingers, turning over from side to side and using the potty in a bed pan because he refused to do it in a diaper (proud mommy moment)!! 

Fast forwarding again. On February 4th, Cruz was able to go home. There were no beds available for inpatient therapy but  medically he did not need to be treated anymore!! We were all nervous about the trip home and what it would be like without a nurse coming in every hour to check on us or having a button to press when we had questions! This was very hard but Cruz was so ready to be home with his family!  

As of today Cruz is home and is attending outpatient physical and occupational therapy. He is walking, moving his left arm and hand. Playing inside and outside. Loving bath time with his brother and loves playing with his cousins and family! He can talk, tell you want he needs, and wants just like before. We keep him doing normal routines just like before. But there is always the unknown. What is he thinking? Why does he look at you with a stare? Why isn’t he hungry? Why does he do that? Is he gonna be the same Cruz he was before? Will he be able to attend school again or play soccer or football? Or become a soldier like he said he wanted to be when he grew up? When will he got back to school? Will he be okay? Did he hit his head? Will he hit his head? He CAN’T hit his head!!! 

It’s hard to see him get frustrated when he can’t do things that he wants. He gets discouraged at times and I’ve noticed he will forget some things when he talks to me and just says never mind. It scary when I think of all of this and to see him like that everyday. 

Yes, he is a 4 year old boy that is still growing and his injuries brain is still developing each and everyday (by Gods choice). I am not a doctor. I don’t know what the next day or year with bring? 

He remembers his family and what he likes to do. He knows how to sing Jesus loves me and likes to play with his play dough. But he does not have the same personality he had before. Physically he is fine. He knows he can’t ride his bike or jump on his trampoline or run full speed!

But I know my baby and he is different. He is not mentally retarded but he has changed. It’s been less than a month but he his not the same little boy. I don’t know how to explain it because every parents knows how their child acts and thinks. If your a parent then you know what I’m talking about. Everyday I think something could happen in his little body today , in a month , or next year. I HAVE faith but the devil is always there to bring all the negative thinking back into my head. This is so hard. I have so much support but it’s still so hard! What about Collin (Cruz’s older brother) ?? He needs his mom! He needs help with school work. He wants to play with his brother outside on the slide and trampoline. What about my husband that also needs me! How do we get through this difficult time? 

I’m not telling all of this for you or anyone to feel sorry for me! I’m telling everyone our life as of right now and for those who ask about how is Cruz is doing or how I am. Yes we have came a long way in a short time but it’s still hard everyday and we still just want your prayers! We want your prayer everyday and every night! We will get through this but it’s hard and it’s going to take time! I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all of the love, support, and donations given to us! It’s so overwhelming and so much appreciated! I know that god has a special place for all of you!